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Martin Griffiths assumes the role of Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen

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19 Mar2018

Martin Griffiths assumes the role of Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen

Today, I have the privilege of assuming the role of Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen. It is a position I take very seriously.

The conflict in Yemen has produced one of the most dire humanitarian crises in modern history; state institutions have been severely eroded and the country continues to fragment at an alarming pace. Civilians are bearing the brunt of this conflict and have been the victims of far too many human rights violations. It is clear that there is no military solution to be found in Yemen.

With the support of the Secretary General, the Security Council and the international community, I promise the Yemeni people that I will work hard to facilitate an inclusive political process based on the GCC Initiative and its Implementation Mechanism, the National Dialogue Conference outcomes, and all relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolution 2216 (2015). I will also build on the progress made during the previous rounds of negotiations to serve the interests of the Yemeni people. A credible political process will require all sides to be flexible, make difficult compromises, and prioritize the national interest for the sake of the Yemeni people.

I look forward to working with the Government of Yemen and engaging with all stakeholders, without exception. We must work together to end this brutal conflict, which has gone on far too long.

OSESGY Highlights

2018 ‘terrifying’ for Yemenis but ultimately a ‘year for hope’, says UN Special Envoy

It has been a “terrifying” year for Yemenis but ultimately one of hope, as December talks in Sweden yielded a ceasefire around a key port city with the promise of further substantive consultations between the warring parties next month, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, told UN News in an exclusive interview on Wednesday.

Despite the “remarkable” recent progress, Yemen continues to suffer from a humanitarian crisis described by the UN as the worst in the world, together with fighting between Government and Houthi movement opposition forces across the country, said Martin Griffiths, who said “it’s still going to be a hard slog to make it work according to plan”.

Martin Griffiths: Track II efforts complement official negotiations, and lay the foundation for peace-building in Yemen

The Special Envoy of the Secretary General for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, stressed the importance of ongoing Track II efforts, as complementary to official negotiations in Yemen, indicating that it is crucial to work on peace-building in Yemen, in parallel to official diplomatic efforts, known as Track I, to end the war. He added that “the real work in Yemen starts the day after we reach a political deal. We should all work to prepare for that day.